Chelsea fury at racism charge

Chelsea have started a furious defence of their groundsman Steve Bethell after the FA put him on a racism charge.

Bethell and Manchester United defender Patrice Evra will both have to answer for their part in a scuffle at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea's controversial win over the eventual champions on April 26.

But United's England defender Rio Ferdinand escaped being charged for kicking at a wall in anger and accidentally catching a female steward in the process. He was merely warned about his future conduct.

Flashpoint: Patrice Evra clashes with a member of the Chelsea ground staff

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It had been suggested a potential four match ban could affect Ferdinand's hopes of becoming England's permanent captain.

Chelsea reacted swiftly after both Bethell and Evra were charged with improper conduct and a claim that the Chelsea man used 'abusive language aggravated by reference to nationality/race'.

That reflected accusations made by United immediately after the incident, which was captured on security cameras. Evra, a France international who was born in Senegal, could be fined or suspended, but the punishments available to Bethell are not so clear-cut.

In a statement, Chelsea said: 'We believe there is no foundation whatsoever to claims that the incident involved comments based on nationality or race. Chelsea FC condemn all forms of discrimination in football and society. Such allegations against our club are extremely serious.'

The controversy overshadowed the unveiling of new signing Deco, although if the Portugal playmaker performs with as much passion for Chelsea as he used to denounce his old club Barcelona, his third Champions League triumph at different clubs must be a distinct possibility.

Barca got it in the neck for suggesting he was on the slide, for treating fellow departee Ronaldinho badly and for not showing enough discipline in training.

But Deco, 30, said: 'I don't think I'm on a downward slide. When big clubs don't win trophies it is always a big disaster. The blame is usually attached to the more important players.

'But I still believe in myself and I believe I can still be a great player. I played well at Euro 2008. That showed what I can do.'

Deco also lavished praise on Frank Lampard but admits he does not know if the England midfielder will stay at Chelsea or join Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

Inter president Massimo Moratti claims Lampard wants to join the Italian champions, but warned: 'We have to be patient. We have the player's approval but Chelsea have every right to keep him.'